The 18 Holy Steps
Originally, the steps leading to the Sannidhanam was made of granite blocks, which was about five to six feet wide. Over time, the steps were badly damaged due to constant breaking of coconuts on the steps by the pilgrims. The governing body of the temple covered the steps with panchaloha. Now, the hold steps are covered in gold. There are eighteen steps or pathineetu tripadikkal. The first five steps signify the five senses of a human being, followed by the eight ragas and the next three the gunas. The next two signifies vidya and avidya.
It is believed that a devotee climbing these holy steps get him closer to self-realisation. Only those devotees who undertake the 41 day vratham and carry the irumudi are allowed to climb the 18 holy or sacred steps. People also believe the 18 steps symbolizes the 18 puranas and some believe that the steps signify the 18 weapons of Lord Ayyappan. Devotees offer coconut on the steps before ascending or descending the steps.
Other important shrines in Sabarimalai are the Ganapathi Kovil, Homakunda, Bhasma Kulam, Malikappurathamma temple, and Kaduthaswamy & Karuppaswamy temple.
